It was always going to be a season of trial and error at White Hart Lane. Tottenham appointed a new manager in Mauricio Pochettino during the summer and the transition process has expectantly lead to some teething pains, including a run of four home defeats in the space of five Premier League fixtures at the Lane.But all things considered, it hasn't gone too badly for the Lilywhites. They're not flirting with the relegation zone for example and are only six points off the Premiership's top four.A few select signings in January could be all that's needed to propel the north Londoners back into the race for Champions League qualification, so just in case Pochettino's short on ideas, here's a list of FIVE such acquisitions.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON THE ARGENTINE TO REVEAL ALL

[/ffc-gallery]

FABIAN DELPH

If the Lilywhites are to sign one player this January, in my opinion, it should be rumoured target Fabian Delph.

Mauricio Pochettino's preference for gutsy, mobile and energetic midfielders has seen him favour the likes of Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb over Moussa Dembele, Etienne Capoue and Paulinho in recent weeks.

The Aston Villa star shares that youthful vigour and industry but blends it with proven Premier League quality, having amassed 91 top flight appearances for the Midlands outfit. This lung-bursting run and improvised finish against Chelsea last season epitomises the nature of the 25 year-old's game perfectly:

//www.youtube.com/embed/IYDwIn6PT1M

It's been a sensational twelve months for Delph too. He earned the Villain of the Year award at the end of last season and more recently a spot in Roy Hodgson's England squad, with three caps since his September debut. Here's a look at his stats over the last few seasons:

The dynamic midfielder is currently sidelined until the New Year with a shoulder injury, but it's looking increasingly likely that he'll return to fitness with another club. Delph's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and recent speculation claims he won't be signing a new deal:

Ideal for Spurs then, who could likely prize the Three Lions starlet away from Villa Park for under the £10million mark.

YOHAN CABAYE

Another central midfielder reportedly looking for a new home in January is PSG's Yohan Cabaye, having sloped down the pecking order at Parc de Princes this season behind the likes of Javier Pastore, Blaise Matuidi, Thiago Motta, Marco Veratti and youngster Adrien Rabiot.

Spurs fans will know the Frenchman well; he emerged as one of the Premier League's top midfielders during a two-and-a-half-year spell with Newcastle, amassing 18 goals and 15 assists in 93 appearances.

The 28 year-old is better famed for his quality at set pieces, as shown in the video below:

//www.youtube.com/embed/ySxnAqozCGE

But he's industrious too and can orchestrate play from deep - something the likes of Dembele, Capoue and Paulinho have continually failed to do over the last few seasons. Here's a look at Cabaye's vitals:

£19million may be a large investment for a player already amid his peak years and Spurs will have to battle against some intense competition for the 38-cap France international's signature.

But he'd boost the quality of the Lilywhites' midfield enormously and that alone makes him worth every penny.

HECTOR MORENO

//www.youtube.com/embed/G2o7uzGEhrM Mauricio Pochettino added Eric Dier and Federico Fazio to his squad this summer and also appointed Younes Kaboul as the club's new captain, yet there are still clear problems at the heart of Tottenham's defence.

The Spurs gaffer needs a defender who understands his philosophy perfectly, in which case, he should return to former club Espanyol for South American centre-half Hector Moreno.

The 26 year-old first drew attention at the 2010 World Cup putting in some top displays for Mexico as they reached the round of 16, including a clean sheet against France.

He's since affirmed a reputation as one of La Liga's better defenders outside of their top four, and served under Pochettino for one-and-a-half seasons, winning Espanyol's Player of the Year award during his inaugural campaign, before the Argentine's sacking in November 2012.

Here's his stats from the last few years, including the World Cup in Brazil:

Spurs were reportedly courting the 6 foot centre-back during the summer, until a fractured tibia at the World Cup ruined his chances of a White Hart Lane switch.

Recent speculation suggests the move could be back on in January however, with Espanyol in desperate search of funds:

MAURO ICARDI

What a difference a dependable goalscorer can make - just ask Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Harry Kane's been the pick of the strikeforce at White Hart Lane this season but Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor have hardly provided adequate competition.

The trio have netted just five goals between them and the Togo international has now returned to his homeland on compassionate leave.

So Tottenham need a talismanic No.9 and recent reports claim they'll attempt a swoop for Inter Milan starlet Mauro Icardi:

The 21 year-old's progress since moving to the San Siro from Sampdoria in summer 2013 has been phenomenal, going to net 17 goals in 36 league appearances for the Serie A side.

That includes a potent return of eight in 14 this season in addition to nine strikes last term - which are viewable below:

//www.youtube.com/embed/-oY-Fe-bjec

It's believed Icardi would set Spurs back around £25million, but the north Londoners could soon find themselves eclipsed in their pursuit of the Argentine international by fellow Premier League suitors Chelsea:

RICKIE LAMBERT

A speculative suggestion perhaps, considering Rickie Lambert only joined Liverpool in the summer in what was initially described as a 'dream move' for the England international.

Yet, it's closer resembled a nightmare, with the 32 year-old often stuck behind the likes of Mario Balotelli and Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order as he struggles to adapt to the Reds' ball-retaining style of play.

There are some reports suggesting he could be on the move in January - especially if Brendan Rodgers decides to splash the cash on another centre-forward:

Should that be the case, then Spurs would be wise to get involved - even if it's just a temporary move. Lambert was the focal point of Pochettino's philosophy at Southampton, providing industry, aggression and power in attack and regularly creating opportunities to bring the midfield into the game.

The 6 foot 2 striker may have only bagged one Premier League goal in 13 appearances for the Reds, but let's not forget his incredible form during the Saints' last two campaigns, as detailed below:

It will be a tough task convincing the former non-leaguer to choose Spurs over Southampton, but his prior history with Pochettino could tip the balance.

[ad_pod id='ricco' align='center']